Kirillov has much to offer the discerning visitor. The city appeared as a settlement attached to the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery founded in 1397 and called after the name of monk Cyril Belozersky. The majestic architectural ensemble of the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery is one of the largest in Russia. Numerous lakes, islands, steep slopes of lake basins, covered with forest, forest lakes – all these in combination with hilly relief make the area wonderful.